Bailey Smith hit with ‘final warning’ by AFL after year of controversy

Bailey Smith is on his “final warning” from the AFL.

The controversial Geelong midfielder has tested the patience of league headquarters throughout his first year at the Cats, which has included several indiscretions.

Now, in a physical letter mailed to Smith and, the AFL has made it clear the 24-year-old Cat is out of lives.

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“The AFL has finally put a line in the sand,” Mitch Cleary told 7NEWS Melbourne on Monday.

“Smith’s recent social media activity prompting the league to deliver him one final warning.

“The view from HQ is that a series of minor incidents now all add up to something much more.

“This year alone, he was fined twice for flipping the bird in back-to-back games in April, he then hinted at the use of nose beers — or cocaine — via Instagram. That prompted a fireside chat with league boss Andrew Dillon at Smith’s house.

“Last month, he abused a photographer at a Cats training session. There was the Mad Monday and subsequent social media controversy, before more late-night posts directed at Caroline Wilson and Mark Robinson after their commentary towards him.”

Bailey Smith, Max Holmes and Patrick Dangerfield have come under fire along with Brad Close (not pictured). Credit: Instagram

The AFL was “not thrilled” with Geelong players’ Mad Monday costumes and social media behaviour last month, with Smith having to delete multiple Instagram posts throughout the day.

Neither Geelong nor Smith received any form of punishment for the antics, with the AFL opting to allow Geelong to deal with the problem themselves.

“The AFL tried to let Geelong take care of Smith, but enough is enough — a letter has been sent direct to Smith, his agent (Paul Connors), Cats CEO Steve Hocking, and footy boss Andrew Mackie,” Cleary added.

“Any further indiscretions from here will result in a fine or suspension.”

Geelong issued a statement in the aftermath of their Mad Monday gone wrong, declaring the iconic celebrations would not continue in their current form from 2026 onwards.

Bailey Smith has been under fire for several incidents this year. Credit: Getty

“Geelong Football Club sincerely apologises for the offence caused following our end of season gathering on Monday,” a statement on the club’s website said.

“Certain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgment, and do not reflect our team of all commitment.

“The club has decided future post season events will not continue in this current form, and we will take this moment to further educate our people on expectations and club and community standards.”

There was no specific mention of Smith, who was dressed as Legends of the Fall character Tristan Ludlow, played by Brad Pitt, while skipper Patrick Dangerfield’s own cowboy costume was a nod to the TV show Yellowstone.

Smith later posted a photo of himself and Dangerfield.

In the caption, Smith referenced the movie Brokeback Mountain, which depicts a complex romantic relationship between two cowboys, and wrote “this is what losing a granny does to ya”.